A friend of mine, has an old half stock percussion rifle that has Osley Nelson & co. marked on the barrel. It also has W.A. Cunningham at another spot on the barrel. The lock is marked Wm. H. Sowers Warranted. Any help identifying would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. Steve

NELSON, Francis — Advertised for sale "gun stocks well seasoned
by the large or small quantity," at his place of business opposite
the Bull's Head (tavern), Strawberry Alley, Philadelphia. Ad-
vertisement in the Pennsylvania Evening Post, Aug. 31, 1776.

"The firm consisted of Owen O. Nelson,
Tuscumbia, Ala., attorney, then Judge for Court of Common
Pleas; William Dickson, planter and extensive land owner in
Tennessee Valley, Ala., and Dr. Lewis Sadler of Leighton, Ala.,
an elderly physician who furnished considerable financial aid."

Yes! It is a Postley Nelson & Co. barrel. I have found some info on the builder W.A. Cunningham. I talked to another guy, who used to own one of his rifles. Since I made my original post, I have bought the rifle myself, and had it inspected by a few gunsmiths, and they all agreed that it was in fine, shootable, shape. So, I shot it a few times, and I'm very happy with its accuracy. I would like to know more about the lock maker,"Wm. H. Sowers" and possibly what the value of it might be. Thanks for your help, and I will try to post a pic soon. Thanks Steve